A&W turns out to be Canadian, not American, and that's just the start of what historian Ed Conroy uncovers about the food brands people think they know. Anyone curious how a chicken chain and a maple treat became quiet Canadian institutions gets the full story here, straight from Ed Conroy of RetroOntario.com.

The list runs from Colonel Sanders quietly relaunching his original chicken recipe in Mississauga under a different name, to the regional loyalty wars between Swiss Chalet, Saint Hubert and White Spot sauce. Coffee Crisp's Canada-only status and BeaverTails' word-of-mouth fame round out a conversation about what actually makes a brand feel Canadian.

There's also the Instagram photo that shows just how close two fried chicken empires once looked, back when one of them wasn't supposed to exist at all.

Topics: A&W, Colonel Sanders, BeaverTails, Coffee Crisp, Swiss Chalet

GUEST: Ed Conroy | http://retrontario.com | @‌retrontario

Originally aired on 2026-07-23

A&amp;W turns out to be Canadian, not American, and that's just the start of what historian Ed Conroy uncovers about the food brands people think they know. Anyone curious how a chicken chain and a maple treat became quiet Canadian institutions gets the full story here, straight from Ed Conroy of<a href="http://retroontario.com"> RetroOntario.com</a>.
The list runs from Colonel Sanders quietly relaunching his original chicken recipe in Mississauga under a different name, to the regional loyalty wars between Swiss Chalet, Saint Hubert and White Spot sauce. Coffee Crisp's Canada-only status and BeaverTails' word-of-mouth fame round out a conversation about what actually makes a brand feel Canadian.
There's also the Instagram photo that shows just how close two fried chicken empires once looked, back when one of them wasn't supposed to exist at all.
Topics: A&amp;W, Colonel Sanders, BeaverTails, Coffee Crisp, Swiss Chalet
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retrontario.com"> http://retrontario.com</a> | @&zwnj;retrontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-23

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.